10Minutes on conflict minerals

May 2013

At a glance

10Minutes on conflict minerals provides insight into the strategic benefits and risks companies will want to focus on as they comply with the SEC's conflict minerals rule. The rule is effective for 2013 calendar year operations, so regardless of whether companies view conflict minerals as a supply chain opportunity, risk to their brand or another regulatory to-do, they should act now to prepare.

In August 2012, the SEC approved its final rule on conflict minerals (Dodd Frank Section 1502), requiring companies to disclose whether the sourcing of conflict minerals in their products benefited armed groups.

Some businesses consider the rule a compliance exercise, while others view it as an opportunity to strengthen their supply chains and brand. Regardless, the information companies are required to disclose may expose them to reputational risks. 10Minutes on conflict minerals provides information about the rule and insight into ways in which companies are addressing the associated compliance requirements.